Nano Engineering & Technology

Dr. Saud Fahhad Al-Otaibi hold Ph.D. Civil and Structural Engineering from University of Sheffiled , UK since 2002. He is working as a research scientist in Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. He is currently the president of the ACI Kuwait Chapter. His field of interest and expertise is in construction materials in general with some focus on cement and concrete, also worked on building systems and construction management.

The meaning of the word ‘sustainability’ is arbitrary and depends on many factors like availability of raw materials, construction safety, functionality, and energy. Concrete is the second largest manufactured product in volume on earth after processed water. Thus, any positive action toward the reduction of specific CO2 emission would significantly contribute globally to the reduction of overall greenhouse gas emissions. In an era of climate change and potentially depleting natural resources, countries need to introduce more sustainable construction.

The use of pozzolanic materials as a replacement for cement in construction field has become an unavoidable practice nowadays because of its economic and environmental advantages and durability. Especially in countries like Kuwait, belonging to Gulf region, where there are severe climatic conditions along with chemical exposure due to the coastal area effects, use of pozzolanic materials has more relevance. 

This paper presents results of a study carried out on using a natural pozzolanic material obtained from Super Burkani Quarry in  Saudi Arabia (Figure 1). This material is a natural volcanic ash processed and pulverized in different particle sizes. The research work included paste, and mortar mixes with different levels of OPC replacement. The experimental program covered microstructure, rheology, hydration process, and hardened mechanical and durability properties. The results were promising as to improvement of properties in most aspects.